Pandora Syndrome: Not Just the Bladder Any More Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, MS, DABVP Chico Hospital for Cats Chico, CA

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1 Pandora Syndrome: Not Just the Bladder Any More Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, MS, DABVP Chico Hospital for Cats Chico, CA Lower urinary tract signs (LUTS) dysuria, periuria, pollakiuria and stranguria are a common reason pet cats are brought to veterinary practices. When presented with a cat with these signs clinicians need to know whether this is the first episode or whether it is a chronic, recurrent disease as well as what other health problems the cat may have. Armed with this information an appropriate diagnostic plan can be made. Cats may have multiple reasons for their clinical signs as well as other medical conditions and environmental requirements that need to be addressed. For example, Buffington et al. have presented evidence that some cats with severe, chronic LUTS seem to have a functional rather than a structural lower urinary tract disorder and that periuria can occur in apparently healthy cats exposed to stressful circumstances. There is significant overlap at the present time among treatment recommendations for some LUT disorders particularly with regard to ensuring that the patient s environmental needs are met. Severe chronic idiopathic LUTS has been described as a naturally occurring model of interstitial cystitis in women. Interstitial cystitis (IC) has been defined as a disease of chronic irritative voiding signs, sterile and cytologically negative urine and cystoscopic observation of submucosal petechial hemorrhages. The same description in which cystoscopy was not performed in cats but in which other appropriate diagnostic procedures did not identify a cause became defined as Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC) In addition to epithelial abnormalities identified in the bladder of cats with FIC, investigators found significant alterations in components of acetylcholine synthesis and release in the esophageal mucosa from cats with FIC. This suggested that changes in the nonneuronal cholinergic system may contribute to alterations in cell-to-cell contacts and possibly communication with underlying cells that may, in turn, contribute to changes in sensory function and visceral hyperalgesia. Differences in sensory neuron anatomy and physiology also are present in cats with FIC suggesting a more widespread abnormality of sensory neuron function.the acoustic startle response is a reflex motor protective response to a perceived threat. It is a brainstem reflex response to unexpected auditory stimuli and is increased in cats with FIC. Differences in sympathetic nervous system function have also been identified in cats with FIC. Among them are changes in the brain stem in the region associated with the most important source of norepinephrine in cats and humans. It is involved in such brain functions as vigilance, arousal and analgesia and mediates the visceral response to stress. Other changes in brainstem help to explain the waxing and waning course of symptoms and the aggravation of signs by environment stressors. Some cats with FIC appear to have abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis such that there is a decrease in serum cortisol secretion compared with healthy cats. Adrenal glands in these cats were grossly smaller in cats with FIC when compared to healthy cats. Cats with FIC often have variable combinations of comorbid disorders such as behavioral, endocrine, cardiovascular and GI problems. External stressors appear to exacerbate clinical signs of these disorders. Many human beings with IC suffer from variable combinations of comorbid disorders as well. These appear to have no consistent pattern of onset and so cannot be attributed to LUTS but rather may be some common disorder affecting more than one organ which then responds in its own way. Ongoing research in both humans and cats with chronic LUTS has begun to include a more comprehensive evaluation of the entire patient. Nosology is defined as the classification of diseases. Until a better understanding of the larger picture of cats presenting with LUTS, naming this constellation of symptoms and organs systems involved should remain vague and not reflect only LUTS. Dr. Buffington has suggested Pandora s Syndrome He and his colleagues, Drs. Westropp and Chew propose tentative criteria for diagnosis of Pandora syndrome: 1. Presence of clinical signs referable to other organ systems in addition to chronic idiopathic signs for which the patient is being evaluated 2. Evidence of early adverse experience (e.g abandonment, orphaning) and which may differ by individual 3. Waxing and waning of severity of clinical signs with events that (presumably) activate the central stress response system 4. Resolution of sings with effective multimodal environmental modification Whatever the eventual name, restricting the description of these patients to their LUTS does not capture all of the currently recognized features of the syndrome. A more comprehensive evaluation of cats with these and other chronic idiopathic signs may result in a more complete diagnosis and lead to additional treatment approaches that may improve outcomes. For example, the 1

2 relationship between the environment and health is quadratic rather than linear, with both deficient and threatening environment increasing the risk of poor health outcomes. Individual patients presenting with chronic LUTS benefit by a more comprehensive evaluation to elucidate the effect on risk for Pandora syndrome. Included in this history should be: Where the cat was obtained Any other health or behavior problems that may be present Structure of the cat s environment amount of time indoors, activity level, availability and management of resources, other cats in the home, people living with the cat. Presences of signs referable to other organ systems Perceived allergic responses to skin, lung or GI tract Any unusual or problematic behaviors The physical exam should be performed with evaluation of the lower urinary tract last to avoid being distracted and missing other abnormalities such as over-grooming, obesity, acne, cardiac abnormalities or GI tract issues. For an initial episode in an apparently healthy, young unobstructed patient, the most likely explanation is either a sickness behavior in an otherwise healthy cat or acute idiopathic LUTS. After ruling out other causes of LUTS, the client should be counseled regarding individually tailored multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) to make sure the cat s environmental needs are being met. The client can also be taught to look for other signs of sickness behaviors and to evaluate response to MEMO for adequacy of accommodation. Table 1 Forms used as part of the evaluation of cats presented the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for evaluation of chronic lower urinary tract signs. These forms have not been formally validated beyond their face validity for cases in the authors practice area. They are offered as an example of an instrument that could be developed and validated for broader use Cat and client history form Cat s name Owner name Date Contact information: Telephone: Please check preferred method of contact Cat Information: Breed Color Date of Birth Weight lb kg Owned for? years months; M F Neutered? If yes, date: Declawed? N Y If yes, Front only All four paws (month/year) Body Condition (please check box that looks most like your cat): Skinny Lean Moderate Stout Obese Please check the boxes that best apply to your cat: Diet: (please be as specific as you can, eg, Buckeye Best (company) Adult Chicken and Rice (flavor) Wet food: name None 25% 50% 75% 100% Dry food: name None 25% 50% 75% 100% How many hours each day, on average: does your cat spend indoors? Indoor only Is time outside supervised? Yes No If you have more than one cat, what is their relationship? Not related Littermate Sibling Parent-Offspring Other ( ) 2

3 Where did you obtain your cat (source)? Shelter Offspring from a pet I already own(ed) Purchased from a friend Gift Purchased from a breeder Purchased from a pet shop Stray/orphan Other Does your cat frequently (please check all that apply): Try to escape Pace at outside doors Cry at outside doors Hide Act fearful Act friendly Follow owners around the home Destroy things when left alone Act depressed (little interest in feeding, grooming, environment, etc.) Housing ( ): Apartment: studio 1-2 bedrooms 3 or more bedrooms, Zip Code House: attached/twin duplex attached, 3 or more units, single other Total Cats Total Dogs Other Pets Other People Please help us understand what your cat does around the house by placing a check ( ) in the box next to each behavior that best describes how commonly your cat does each of the behaviors described below Does your cat: A good A little Does All of Most of Some of None of Bit of bit of the Not the time the time the time the Time the Time time apply Leave household articles (furniture, drapes, clothing, plants, etc) alone Eat small amounts calmly at intervals throughout the day Drink small amounts calmly at intervals throughout the day Use the litterbox Get along with people in the home Get along with other pets in the home Remain calm when left alone Stay relaxed during normal, everyday handling (grooming, petting) Calm down quickly if startled or excited React calmly to everyday events (telephone or doorbell ringing) Play well with people Play well with other family cats Show affection without acting clingy or annoying Tolerate confinement in a carrier (including travel) Groom entire body calmly Use scratching posts Play with toys Comments; anything else your cat regularly does or does not do that you think might be helpful for us to know about? 3

4 Health history The cat s condition today is Previous illnesses or surgeries Current medications Directions: For items below, please use the following choices to describe how many times you have seen your pet experience the symptom, adding comments/explanation as appropriate. Score = 0 = I have NEVER seen it 1 = I have seen it at least ONCE 2 = I see it at least ONCE per YEAR 3 = I see it at least ONCE per MONTH 4 = I see it at least ONCE per WEEK 5 = I see it DAILY Score How often does your cat: Comments/explanation Cough Sneeze Have difficulty breathing Stop eating Vomit food hair bile other Have hairballs Have diarrhea Have constipation Defecate outside the litter box Strain to urinate Have frequent attempts to urinate Urinate outside the litter box Have blood in the urine Spray urine Groom more than cats usually do Shed more than cats usually do Scratch him/herself more than cats usually do Have discharge from eyes Seem fearful Seem to need a great deal of contact or attention Destroy things when left alone Please check any of the following diseases your cat has been diagnosed with: Periodontal (dental) disease Asthma Inflammatory bowel disease Skin disease Allergies Diabetes mellitus Cardiomyopathy (heart problems) Obesity Other 4

5 Household resource checklist The following questions ask about your cat s resources so we can learn more about the environment your cat(s) live in. Please DK if you don t know, NA if it does not apply, or Yes or No after each question. If you have more than one cat, please answer for all cats. Resources (food, water, litter and resting areas) for each cat are assumed to be out of (cat) sight of each other, such as around a corner or in another room. If they are in sight of each other, please answer No. Space DK NA Yes No 1 Each cat has its own resting area in a convenient location that provides some privacy 2 Resting areas are located such that another animal cannot sneak up on the cat while it rests 3 Resting areas are located away from appliances or air ducts that could come on unexpectedly (machinery) while the cat rests 4 Perches are provided so each cat can look down on its surroundings 5 Each cat can move about freely, explore, climb, stretch, and play if it chooses to 6 Each cat has the opportunity to move to a warmer or cooler area if it chooses to 7 A radio or TV is left playing when the cat is home alone Food and water 8 Each cat has its own food bowl 9 Each cat has its own water bowl 10 Bowls are located in a convenient location to provide privacy while the cat eats or drinks 11 Bowls are located such that other animals cannot sneak up on the cat while it eats or drinks 12 Bowls are washed regularly (at least weekly) with a mild detergent 13 Bowls are located away from machinery Litter boxes 14 Each cat has its own box (one box per cat, plus one) 15 Boxes are located in convenient, well-ventilated locations that still give each cat some privacy while using it 16 Boxes are located on more than one level in multi-level houses 17 Boxes are located so another animal cannot sneak up on the cat during use 18 Boxes are located away from machinery that could come on unexpectedly during use 19 The litter is scooped daily 20 The litter is completely replaced weekly 21 Boxes are washed regularly (at least monthly) with a mild detergent (like dishwashing liquid), rather than strongly scented cleaners Litter boxes (continued) DK NA Yes No 22 Unscented clumping litter is used 23 A different brand or type of litter is purchased infrequently (less than monthly) 24 If a different type of litter is provided, it is put in a separate box so the cat can choose to use it (or not) if it wants to Social contact 25 Each cat has the opportunity to play with other animals or the owner if it chooses to on a daily basis 26 Each cat has the option to disengage from other animals or people in the household at all times 27 Do any cats interact with outdoor cats through windows? Body care and activity 28 Horizontal scratching posts are provided 29 Vertical scratching posts are provided 31 Chew items (eg, cat-safe grasses) are provided 32 Toys to chase that mimic quickly moving prey are provided 33 Toys that can be picked up, carried, and tossed in the air are provided 34 Toys are rotated on a regular basis (at least weekly) to provide novelty If you have additional comments on any of the questions, please write them below, including the question #. By submitting this form, you agree that anonymous information from it may be used for cat health-related research 5